Isolation Urges
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT
It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. Ecclesiastes 5:5 NLT
Insight
The cold weather is creeping in… and my seasonal depression has begun to rear its ugly head. I am far from the first (or the last) Christian to wrestle with depression. Especially in the winter months, a lot of us struggle. The activities that usually bring us joy feel like a chore. We don’t live—we survive. Taking care of ourselves becomes a herculean task. We wrestle with the urge to isolate ourselves, to cancel our plans and lock ourselves away. But isolating ourselves rarely has the desired effect. Being alone can seem like a solution, but it can feed into the problem itself.
When I am swimming in dark thoughts, socializing feels like the last thing I want to do. I don’t feel like I have the energy to leave home and put on a happy face. I think that canceling my plans with my friends and family will bring me relief. And sometimes, it does… but for only a moment. There are certainly times when being alone is spiritually beneficial, but when we are drowning in the enemy’s lies, it can do far more harm than good. It is the equivalent of locking ourselves in an echo-chamber with our demons. The voices get louder, and the pain feels more acute.
Being around God’s people helps us to get out of our heads and gain His perspective. When we feel devoid of hope, being with others reminds us of God’s goodness. He uses the people in our lives as instruments of His grace; in good company, we find laughter, reassurance, and comfort. Being with His kids can enable us envision a future where a heavy cloud of darkness doesn’t follow us around from place to place. Being with His kids reminds us that our depression is not all that there is.
At times, it takes extraordinary discipline to get up, get dressed, and honor our commitments. However, the spiritual and psychological benefits can be extraordinary. We are called to be people who enter into fellowship with one another, even when it is hard. We are called to show up and share our struggles with our church family, allowing them the privilege of supporting us through our dark seasons.
I often find that when I want to socialize the least is when I need it the most. My isolation urges are proof of spiritual warfare. The enemy wants me to stay tucked away, alone with his lies. Whenever I show up and love others (and let them love me), things always get better.
Sometimes, when I think about my plans for the day, all I feel is dread. But when I keep my word to others, trust God, and walk out of my door, I am met with fresh hope.
Reflection
Do you struggle with the urge to isolate yourself? How can you rely on His strength to help you honor your commitments and embrace the power of community?
Prayer
Abba, thank you for letting me encounter Your love through Your people. The relationships You’ve given me hold the power to free me from my dark thoughts. Give me the strength to honor my commitments. Give me the courage to participate in my relationships fully. When the enemy begs me to hide myself away and stay isolated, help me to lean into Your love and do what I cannot do alone. In Your strength, I can fight against the spirit of depression. I am not powerless against loneliness, hopelessness, and despair. I am no victim because the victory You won on the cross is mine, too. I love You, Father, and I thank You. Amen.
Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.